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Saturday, March 8, 2014

Wristbands are for tourists. I know... SXSW sells out every year, it's larger than life, so we're not even getting into that discussion. You can have your long lines and badges worn like yokes. Locals know that there are PLENTY of free shows happening during March 2014.

The bonus with free shows is, there is plenty of swag, free food, free drinks, and lots and lots of free music. Many of the bands who have an "official" showcase also play one-off free shows and are part of the many fringe festivals that take advantage of the crowds created by the "big show." And all of these fringe festivals and day shows are free.

Below you will find some of the posters and listings for free shows happening in Austin during MARCH MUSIC MADNESS. If you have a free show happening in March in Austin, Texas, feel free to reach out to INsite (sean@insiteaustinDOTcom) with the poster and/or details. we'll add it to this listing.

If you're looking for some great listings... that are in text format, check out a couple of our favorite places to find music information all year-round in Austin - Showlist Austin and Do512.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

I remember going to Cancun, Mexico about 20 years ago
and being blown away at what some of the street artists could do with a can of
spray paint and a blank canvas. They would spray away, and when the paint cloud
disappeared they had an amazing piece of art. I likened it to take-home graffiti. It was impressive, but I wondered
how they would get to the next level.

As with any craft, there is the street performer and
then there are the stars. Ray Ferrer is one of the stars of this urban art movement,
but he’s not doing it for tourists on vacation, he’s advanced to using X-ACTO
blades to cut the perfect stencils to create some amazing Urban Wall Art.

Beastie Boys

INsite owner Sean Claes caught up with Ray as he gets
ready to board a plane and head to Austin, Texas.

He has teamed up with X-ACTO and will be creating his
urban art live during an event on March 7 and 8. The event will take place on
the corner of Corner of Neches & 5th Street between the
hours of 10a – 4p. Make plans to stop in.

Lucille Ball

INsite: How did you end up
taking up Spray Paint and Stencil Art as a vocation?

Ray Ferrer: I was inspired by several
street artists and thought "I can do that." I’m happy to say it
took off! I was basically able to "trade" in my MBA for spray
paint. No more suits and ties. Just X-ACTO knives and spray paint.

INsite: You're teaming up
with X-ACTO to bring your art as a live demonstration to Austin on March 7
and 8 (10a-4p) at the corner of Neches & E. 5th. What can people
expect? Will you be selling your live-art creations?

People
can expect live demos, FREE X-ACTO Swag, and I am giving away paintings and
Signed limited edition posters for FREE!!!

INsite: Do you have a
favorite piece of yours? AND what is the most popular piece in your collection?

All
of my pieces become favorites. It is hard to choose, like picking your
favorite child. I have several popular pieces.

(Editors Note: He provided a few of his more popular pieces for the images within this story)

The Bats of Austin

INsite: What is your
favorite medium?

I
love spray paint, thoroughly! Without X-ACTO knives and spray paint I am
not able to do what I want to do.

INsite: What inspires you?

My
wife is my biggest inspiration. Other than her, life, music, my past and
history are big influences with my work.

INsite: If I wanted to get
a hold of some of your art but can't make it to the X-ACTO show this weekend,
where would I go?

I
can be reached through any of my social media as I manage all of it directly.